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PITCHFACTOR

User Guide

WARNINGS
Use only with supplied power supply.
Avoid spilling liquids onto/into the unit.
Do not expose to excessive heat or moisture.
Do not open there are no user serviceable parts inside.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Complete UG Part # 159022


Contents Part # 141175 Rev A
Eventide and Harmonizer are registered trademarks of Eventide Inc. 2009 Eventide Inc.

PitchFactor User Guide

Table of Contents

WARNINGS ......................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
A Few Words of Advice....................................................................................................... 4
Key Features ....................................................................................................................... 4
The Website ........................................................................................................................ 4
Overview............................................................................................................................. 5
The Basics ........................................................................................................................... 6
Connections........................................................................................................................ 8
Typical Setups..................................................................................................................... 8
Bypass............................................................................................................................... 13
Mix Control....................................................................................................................... 14
Peak LED ........................................................................................................................... 15
Tuner ................................................................................................................................ 15
The Effects ........................................................................................................................ 16
Selecting Effects .............................................................................................................. 16
Control Knobs - Adjusting the Effects .............................................................................. 16
Mix Control ................................................................................................................ 17
Diatonic........................................................................................................................... 18
Quadravox....................................................................................................................... 19
HarModulator/Chromatic Shift......................................................................................... 20
MicroPitch ....................................................................................................................... 21
H910/H949 ..................................................................................................................... 22
PitchFlex .......................................................................................................................... 23
Octaver............................................................................................................................ 24
Crystals............................................................................................................................ 25
HarPeggiator ................................................................................................................... 26
Synthonizer ..................................................................................................................... 31
Catchup ............................................................................................................................ 32
Expression Pedal ............................................................................................................... 33
Operating Modes.............................................................................................................. 35
Play Mode......................................................................................................................... 35
Active Footswitch ............................................................................................................ 35
Flex/Learn Footswitch....................................................................................................... 35
Tap Footswitch ................................................................................................................ 36
Tuner............................................................................................................................... 36
Bank Mode ....................................................................................................................... 36
Tempo .............................................................................................................................. 38

PitchFactor User Guide

Table of Contents

Fine-tuning Tempo and Delays ......................................................................................... 38


Saving Presets................................................................................................................... 39
Edited Preset Indication .................................................................................................... 39
Auxiliary Switches ............................................................................................................. 41
MIDI.................................................................................................................................. 41
System Mode.................................................................................................................... 42
System Menu Tree ............................................................................................................ 43
[BYPASS] Select Bypass Mode........................................................................................ 43
[BYP TYP] Choose Bypass Type (DSP, RELAY, DSP+FX).............................................. 43
[KILLDRY] Kill Dry Audio (NO, YES) ........................................................................... 43
[TUNER] Tuner Settings ................................................................................................. 43
[AUDIO] Choose audio function when Tuner is active (BYPASS, MUTE) .................... 43
[CALIBRT] Calibrate the Tuner (440 Hz) .................................................................... 44
[AUX SW] Program Auxiliary Switches ........................................................................... 44
[MIDI] - MIDI Functions ................................................................................................... 46
[RCV CH] Set the MIDI Receive Channel (OFF, OMNI, 1-16) ...................................... 46
[XMT CH] Set the MIDI Transmit Channel (1, 2-16) .................................................. 46
[RCV CTL] - Receive Continuous Control Message ....................................................... 47
[XMT CC] Control knobs transmit MIDI Continuous Control ..................................... 48
[RCV MAP] Create a MIDI Program Change Receive Map ......................................... 49
[XMT MAP] Create a MIDI Program Change Transmit Map ...................................... 50
[CTL XMT] MIDI Continuous Controller Transmit Enable (ON, OFF)........................... 50
[PGM XMT] MIDI Program Change Transmit Enable (ON, OFF)................................. 50
[SYS ID] MIDI SysEx ID (1-16)................................................................................... 50
[OUTPUT] MIDI Transmit/Thru Select (XMT, THRU)................................................... 51
[DUMP] Dump Select (ALL, CURRENT, PRESETS, SYSTEM)......................................... 51
[CLK IN] MIDI Input Clock Enable (ON, OFF)............................................................. 51
[CLK OUT] MIDI Output Clock Enable (ON, OFF)....................................................... 51
[CLK FLT] MIDI Clock Filter Enable (ON, OFF) ............................................................ 51
[GLOBAL] Global Settings.............................................................................................. 52
[MIX] Enable Global MIX (ON, OFF) ......................................................................... 52
[TEMPO] Enable Global Tempo (ON, OFF) ................................................................ 52
[UTILITY] - Utility Functions .............................................................................................. 52
[CATCHUP] Catchup Enable (ON, OFF) ..................................................................... 52
[SPILL] Spill Enable (ON, OFF)................................................................................... 52
[BANKS] Select the range of Active Preset Banks (1 - 50).......................................... 53
[SOURCE] Select Source Instrument (GUITAR, BASS, SYNLEAD, SYNBASS)................ 53
[SER#] Serial Number .............................................................................................. 53
[SW VER] - Software Version ...................................................................................... 53
Restoring Factory Settings/Software Updates ................................................................... 53
MIDI Implementation Chart .............................................................................................. 54
Specifications.................................................................................................................... 55
LIMITED WARRANTY ......................................................................................................... 56

PitchFactor User Guide

Introduction

Introduction
Congratulations on choosing an Eventide Harmonizer brand effects processor. For years weve
dreamed of putting our rack mount effects in the hands of performing musicians and, in
particular, at the feet of guitar players. PitchFactor is the latest realization of that dream;
bringing true studio-quality audio, massive processing power, world-class effects, and
unmatched flexibility to your live sound.

A Few Words of Advice


Factor pedals pack an unprecedented degree of processing and flexibility into a small
package. Our goal in creating the Factor family was to give you the power to transform your
sound. From the start, we recognized that the key to realizing this goal was to give you the
flexibility to bend and twist this power in the service of your creativity.
Weve worked hard to make PitchFactor easy to use. Weve done our best to design an
intuitive User Interface to manage and control the awesome power and flexibility packed into
every Factor Effects processor. We hope that you will take the time to master it.
We know that youre eager to get going and hope that youll read this User Guide. However,
if you read nothing else, please read The Basics.

Key Features

Eventides 10 best pitch-based effects


Up to four pitch-shifted voices
Support for instrument and line level connectivity
External Expression Pedal and Aux Switch for external control
100 User Presets - Instant access to any two Presets at a time
Bright, easy-to-read Billboard Display
Learn feature to automatically set musical scale
Extensive MIDI functionality
Software upgrades via USB or MIDI
Built-in Tuner

The Website
www.eventide.com is where youll find versions of this User Guide in other languages,
Frequently Asked Questions, accessories information, and instructions for downloading
software updates.

PitchFactor User Guide

Overview

Overview

PitchFactor User Guide

The Basics

The Basics
There are a few basic concepts that youll have to grasp to use PitchFactor successfully. If you
read nothing else, please read this section.
The Effects
There are ten distinct effect types which we call Effects. Select an Effect by turning the
Encoder knob. Only one Effect can be active at a time.
Controlling the Effects
Each Effect has parameters that can be modified by turning the ten Control Knobs. The
control knobs allow you to set wet/dry mix, pitch ratios, delay, feedback, modulation and to
adjust other parameters that change the sound of each Effect. Also, certain aspects of the
Effect can be controlled by the Footswitches.
Using the Footswitches
The Footswitches can be used in two ways - Play Mode and Bank Mode.
In Play Mode, the Footswitches are used to control certain aspects of the Effects, like Tap
Tempo, Learn and Flex. In Bank Mode, the Footswitches are used to instantly recall saved
versions of the Effects.
Before we describe the Footswitch modes, well need to define some terms.
The Presets
PitchFactor lets you save an Effect after youve adjusted the Control Knobs. An Effect along
with a particular setting of its parameters is called a Preset. PitchFactor lets you save up to
100 Presets. Instructions on saving Presets will be found later in this User Guide.
The Banks
PitchFactor lets you quickly switch between two Presets. In Bank Mode, just press either the
Left or Middle Footswitch to instantly call up your Preset.
Presets are stored in pairs and each pair of Presets is called a Bank. There are a total of 50
Banks to hold the 100 Presets. The Banks are accessed by tapping the Right Footswitch in
Bank Mode.
Play and Bank Footswitch Modes
To switch between Play and Bank Modes, press and hold the Right Footswitch for two
seconds. Notice that the Billboard display changes.
In Play Mode, the Billboard displays the effect name except for Diatonic and Quadravox which
display the key that youre playing in.
In Bank Mode, youll see the word BANK, a number, a colon, and another number. For
example, [BANK 1:1] indicates Preset 1 of Bank 1. A RED LED over either the Left or Middle
Footswitch indicates that an Effect/Preset is Active.
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PitchFactor User Guide

The Basics

Each time that you press and hold the Right Footswitch, the unit will change from one Mode
to the other.
Using Play Mode
When youre in Play Mode, the Footswitches are used to control the Effect thats currently
loaded. The Left Switch toggles Bypass/Active. An ORANGE LED located above the Left
Footswitch indicates that the Effect/Preset is Active (not Bypassed). The action of the Middle
Switch depends on the effect type. For some effects, the switch engages the Learn mode. For
other effects, the switch is used to FLEX the pitch. The Right Switch lets you tap a Tempo.
Using Bank Mode
Go to Bank Mode. The Billboard displays the number of the current Preset - for example you
might see [BANK 1:1]. This means that youre in Bank 1 and that Preset 1 is loaded. If the
Preset is Active (not Bypassed), youll also notice that the Left Footswitch LED is solidly lit. If
Preset 2 is currently loaded and Active, the LED above the Middle Footswitch will be solidly lit.
Try alternately pressing the Left and Middle Footswitches to load the Presets in the active
Bank. The Billboard displays either Preset 1 or Preset 2 from the same Bank and the associated
Footswitch LED is lit RED.
To bypass the currently loaded Preset, press the Footswitch associated with the lit LED. The
LED will turn OFF and the Billboard will briefly display [BYPASS] and then display the Preset #
thats in Bypass. Press the same switch again to enable the Preset. The Billboard briefly
displays [ACTIVE] to indicate that the Preset is enabled.
Changing Banks
In Bank Mode, 2 of the 100 Presets are instantly accessible. In order to access the other 98
Presets, youll have to change Banks. PitchFactor gives you the ability to turn Banks on and
off. This ability is important for performance you can choose to only activate the Banks and
Presets that youll need. PitchFactor ships with all Banks (1-50) Active.
Lets try changing Banks. First, be sure that youre in Bank Mode. Now, tap the Right
Footswitch. As you tap, the display will increment through the Bank numbers from 1 to 50.
When a new Bank is displayed, the Bank is cued and 2 new Presets are ready to go. To load
the new Preset though, you must press one of the other 2 Footswitches. Press the Left Footswitch to load Preset 1 from the new Bank or press the Middle Footswitch to load Preset 2.
Note: See System Mode for setting active Bank range and for using AUX Switch to
decrement through the Banks.
PitchFactor Power Up
When PitchFactor turns on it remembers what it was last doing and powers up in the same
mode, running the same Effect, with the same parameter values, same tempo, same system
settings, etc. With power off, relays connect PitchFactors inputs directly to its outputs.
Can Two Effects Be Used Simultaneously?
No. When you load an Effect it runs on both channels. Effects can be used as Stereo In/Stereo
Out, Mono In/Stereo Out, or Mono In/Mono Out. PitchFactor is smart enough to know what
cables are connected and to automatically route the signals for your set up.
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PitchFactor User Guide

Connections

Connections
PitchFactor is designed to be flexible and can support both instrument and line-level inputs
and outputs. Rear panel toggle switches allow you to independently select input and output
levels. Audio Inputs and Outputs accept standard mono (unbalanced) phone plugs.

PitchFactor can be connected directly to your guitar, behind another pedal, in your Amps
effects loop or to your mixers send/return or insert. Given the variety of guitars, effects
pedals, amps and mixers, we cant describe a best setup. The setup should be driven by you
and the sound that youre going for. That writ, here are some suggestions and typical setups.
Note: Its usually best to connect PitchFactor after distortion effects, compressors, EQs, and
noise gates.

Typical Setups
Here are some suggested ways of connecting to your rig and suggested I/O level switch
settings:

PitchFactor User Guide

Connections

Guitar > PitchFactor > Amp - Mono In/Mono Out

This is the simplest way to connect PitchFactor. Connect your guitar cable to PitchFactor Input
1 and a cable from PitchFactor Output 1 to your amp. Input and Output Level switches (In Lvl
& Out Lvl) should be set to GUITAR and AMP.
If you are using other stompboxes or pedals, its best to connect them in front of PitchFactor.
Connect PitchFactors Input 1 to the output of the last pedal. If PitchFactors peak LED lights
solidly, set PitchFactors In Lvl to LINE.

PitchFactor User Guide

Connections

Guitar > PitchFactor > Amp 1/Amp2 Mono or Stereo In/Stereo Out

Connect your guitar cable to PitchFactor Input 1 and a cable from PitchFactor Output 1 to
one amp and a second cable from PitchFactor Output 2 to the other amp. Input Level switch
(In Lvl) should be set to GUITAR and Output Level switch (Out Lvl) set to AMP.
If you are using other stompboxes or pedals, its best to connect them in front of PitchFactor.
Connect PitchFactors Input 1 to Output 1 of the other pedal. If the other pedal has stereo
outputs, connect its Output 2 to PitchFactors Input 2. If PitchFactors peak LED lights solidly,
set PitchFactors In Lvl to LINE.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Connections

Guitar > Amp Effects Send > PitchFactor > Amp Effects Return

If your Amp has an Effects Loop, you can connect PitchFactors Input to the Amp Effect Loop
Send and PitchFactors Output to the Amp Effect Loop Return. Most guitar amps Effects
Loops run at Line Level so set PitchFactors Input and Output Level Switches to Line.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Connections

Mixer Effects Send> PitchFactor > Mixer Effects Return

When connecting PitchFactor to a Mixer, set PitchFactors Input and Output Level Switches to
Line.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Bypass

Bypass
Its important to select the PitchFactor Bypass function that works best with your setup.
PitchFactor gives you the choice of Bypass type DSP Bypass or Relay Bypass or DSP+FX
Bypass. PitchFactors default Bypass setting is DSP Bypass.
DSP Bypass
When set to [DSP] Bypass, bypassing sends the audio at the DSPs inputs directly to the
outputs without any effects processing. This type of bypassing works well in most situations,
and protects against gain and tone change when bypassed.
Relay Bypass/True Bypass
Some guitar players prefer a true bypass in which the pedals electronics are completely
disconnected from the signal path. When [RELAY] Bypass is selected PitchFactor uses relays to
hard wire your inputs to your outputs. (In fact, whenever PitchFactors power is off, the
relays are disabled and PitchFactors electronics are completely bypassed.)
Relay Bypass is not a good choice however if PitchFactors input is your guitar and youve
connected PitchFactors output directly to a non-instrument level input device or have
connected to your amp over a long cable. Non-instrument inputs are often low impedance
(typically <10K ohm) and will load the guitar output and change its tone. DSP Bypass allows
PitchFactor to act as a buffer, providing a low impedance output (500 ohm) capable of
driving any device input or cable length.
Note: Relay Bypass should not be used if the Input/Output Lvl switches are set opposite to
one another. Specifically, if the Input Lvl switch is set for GUITAR and the Output Lvl switch is
set to LINE or the Input Lvl switch is set for LINE and the Output Lvl switch is set to AMP,
PitchFactor will not have unity gain. In this case, using Relay Bypass will result in a level
change whenever you Bypass PitchFactor.
DSP+FX Bypass
When [DSP+FX] is selected, Bypass sends the audio at the DSPs inputs directly to the outputs
with the decaying tail of the current effect mixed in.
Selecting Bypass Type
The Bypass mode is selected in System Mode under [BYPASS]. [DSP] is the default. Heres how
to change it:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [BYPASS] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [BYP TYP] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [DSP] or [RELAY] or [DSP+FX].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.
Note: Using MIDI Program Change to control Bypass - MIDI Program Change is typically used
to load a preset but it can also be programmed to directly control the units BYPASS setting.
See the System Mode [MIDI] section for details.
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PitchFactor User Guide

Mix Control

Note: When connecting PitchFactor to a computer, we suggest that you use a dedicated
audio interface (e.g. a Firewire Interface) and to select the type of Bypass that works best for
your application.
Note: PitchFactor has been carefully designed to not mess with your tone in any of the Bypass
settings.
Note: With PitchFactors power turned off, the relays automatically Bypass the unit. This
means that if power should accidentally go down while youre playing, your guitar signal will
not disappear because of PitchFactor. Of course, if power is down, you may have bigger
problems.

Mix Control
The Mix Control sets the relative levels of the input signal (dry) and the Effect (wet).
Mono/Stereo
PitchFactor detects which input and output jacks have cables plugged in and routes audio I/O
accordingly. With a Mono Input (Input 1) and Stereo Outputs, the dry contribution for both
outputs comes from the Mono Input (Input 1). With Stereo Inputs, the dry contribution at
Output 1 is from Input 1 and the dry contribution at Output 2 is from Input 2, thereby
maintaining the original signal stereo image.
Killdry Send/Return Loop
If youve connected your PitchFactor using an effect send/return loop (either your amps or a
mixers), PitchFactors Killdry feature can be enabled.
When Killdry is enabled, PitchFactor does not send any dry signal to the outputs; only the
Effect. Note that when Killdry is enabled, Bypassing will mute the Effect rather than Bypass it
when DSP Bypass is selected.
Killdrys factory default is disabled. It can be enabled in the [BYPASS] menu of the System
Mode. Heres how:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [BYPASS] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [KILLDRY] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select either [YES] or [NO].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to exit System Mode.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Tuner

Global Mix
The Mix setting is always saved with each Preset. Often however, it can be useful to have the
Mix setting uniform for all of the Presets that youre using. To do this, use the System
GLOBAL MIX command. When GLOBAL MIX is ON, the Mix setting saved with the Preset is
ignored and the current Mix setting is used for all Presets.
Turning GLOBAL MIX ON or OFF. The factory default is OFF.
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [GLOBAL] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [MIX] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [ON] or [OFF].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to exit System Mode.

Peak LED
The Peak LED lights to indicate that the input signal level is near clipping. Occasional flashing
is OK. If Peak LED is lit solidly, reduce the input level either by reducing the signal level fed to
PitchFactor or by setting the rear panel input switch to the Line position. PitchFactor has a
soft clipping circuit that will reduce nasty noises when overloaded.

Tuner
In Play Mode, press and hold the Middle and Right Footswitches simultaneously to enable the
tuner. Press any of the Footswitches to exit the tuner.
When the tuner is enabled, audio is either Bypassed or Muted as determined by the setting in
System Mode. The default setting is Muted.
PitchFactor supports two types of tuner display: a graphic display and a numerical (cents)
display. Press the encoder to toggle between the two.
The tuners default reference frequency is set to 440 Hz. See System Mode for instructions on
changing the reference frequency.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

The Effects
PitchFactor has ten distinct pitch-based Effects Diatonic, Quadravox, HarModulator, MicroPitch, H910/H949, PitchFlex, Octaver, Crystals, HarPeggiator, and Synthonizer.

Selecting Effects
The Effects can be selected by turning the Encoder. Using the Encoder to select Effects is a
good way to get a feel for what PitchFactor can do.
Turn the Encoder to step through and load each of the Effects. As each Effect is selected, the
Effect is loaded, the green LED to the left of the Effect name is lit and the Billboard displays
the Effect name.

Control Knobs - Adjusting the Effects


When an Effect is selected using the Encoder, the Effects parameter values are set by the
current position of the ten control knobs. Whenever a control knob is turned, the Billboard
displays the parameters name and value. The controls are arranged in two rows and grouped
according to their functions.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Mix Control
Controls the wet/dry signal ratio from 0 (dry signal only) to 100% (wet only). This control
works identically for all the effects. See the earlier description of KILLDRY.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Diatonic
Diatonic pitch shifters track the notes that youre playing and shift the pitch by the selected
harmonic interval based on the Key and Scale that youve selected.
PitchFactors Diatonic Shifter features twin independently-controlled pitch changers (A & B)
with independent delays and feedback. Diatonic tracks the notes that youre playing and
automatically adjusts the amount of pitch shift so that the resultant note is in-key. Use the
PitchA/B control knobs to set each pitch interval. Use the Control Knobs to select the key,
scale and interval.
You can also use Learn mode to set the key by playing the root note while holding down the
Middle Footswitch. You must be in Play Mode to use the Learn feature or, alternately, you
can use the AUX switch option.
Note: Due to the limitations of Diatonic Pitch Shifting, the pitch tracking algorithm is
monophonic and works best on single, isolated notes, and octaves.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the level of PitchA to PitchB.
Note: The A/B mix is set before the feedback delays so that feedback can continue on A or B
and not be affected by new audio when the Pitch Mix control is turned completely to the
opposite channel. This allows you to create a mini looper effect.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Selects the harmonic interval (pitch shift) for PitchA and PitchB.
Delay A/B
Controls the amount of time delay of the A and B pitch shifted outputs. With Tempo OFF,
delay is displayed in mSec. With Tempo ON, delay can be syncd to the tempo and is
displayed as a rhythmic sub-division of the tempo beat value.
Key/Depth
Selects the key.
Scale/Speed
Selects the scale. The supported scales are: [MAJ]-Major, [min]-Minor, [DOR]-Dorian, [PHRG]Phrygian, [LYD]-Lydian, [MLYD]-Mixolydian, [LOC]-Locrian.
Xnob
Controls level of voice A Feedback. The feedback delay length is the length of either Delay A
or Delay B, whichever is longer.
Ynob
Controls level of voice B Feedback. The feedback delay length is the length of either Delay A
or Delay B, whichever is longer.
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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Quadravox
Quadravox is similar to Diatonic but delivers up to four pitch shifted voices (A, B, C, D) instead
of two. You can select the interval of each voice independently. You can also turn OFF any of
the voices.
NOTE: Its possible to select OFF for all four voices. If you do, and the Mix knob is set 100%
Wet, there will be no output signal.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of level PitchA+C to PitchB+D. With the knob set full counter-clockwise,
PitchA + PitchC are set to equal level. Full clock-wise, sets PitchB + PitchD to equal levels. The
ratio of level of PitchA to PitchC and of PitchB to PitchD are fixed at equal levels and cannot
be changed.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Selects the harmonic interval (amount of pitch shift) for voices A and B. Turning the control to
the full counterclockwise position will turn OFF the corresponding voice.
Delay A
NOTE: QUADRAVOXs delay controls work differently from those in the other effects.
Quadravoxs four delays are not independently variable. Instead, they are staggered with A
having the shortest delay, B longer than A, C longer than B and D the longest. The Delay A
control is used to set the last delay, D.
With Tempo OFF, delay is displayed in mSec. With Tempo ON, delay can be syncd to the
tempo and is displayed as a rhythmic sub-division of the tempo beat value.
Delay B
The Delay B control is used to select the grouping of the four delays (A, B, C, D). The delays
can be evenly spaced or spread out as represented by the graphical display. When the delays
grouping is such that there is no space between the letters, all four delays are set to the same
length.
Key/Depth
Selects the key.
Scale/Speed
Selects the scale.
Xnob
Controls the amount of pitch shift for voice C. Turn the control full counterclockwise to turn
voice C OFF.
Ynob
Controls the amount of pitch shift for voice D. Turn the control full counterclockwise to turn
voice D OFF.
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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

HarModulator/Chromatic Shift
HarModulator combines twin chromatic pitch shifters with modulation to deliver an extremely
wide range of effects from the subtle to the insane. Chromatic pitch shifters allow you to set
the pitch ratio of each of the voices in semi-tone intervals (12 steps per octave).
HarModulator features a six octave range (three up, three down).
To get a sense of how to use the modulation function, its best to start simply by setting both
PitchA and PitchB to UNISON, the delays to minimum, and the Ynob to minimum (zero
feedback). Now use the Depth control to set the amount of pitch modulation and the Speed
control to adjust the modulation rate. Turn the Xnob to try different modulation shapes and
sources. Note that you can select ENVELOPE as a source and use the dynamics of your playing
to drive the modulation.
OK, now try that with some pitch shifting, delay and feedback!
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the level of PitchA to PitchB.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Selects the pitch shift interval in semitone increments from down three octaves to up three
octaves.
Delay A/B
Controls the amount of time delay for voices A and B. With Tempo OFF, delay is displayed in
mSec. With Tempo ON, delay can be syncd to the tempo and is displayed as a rhythmic subdivision of the tempo beat value.
Key/Depth
Controls the amount (or depth) of pitch modulation displayed in cents over a four octave
range (two octaves down, two octaves up). Fine control for micro-pitch modulation is
available and displayed in cents, ranging from -30 to +30 cents. When the modulation is a
positive value the two voices will modulate in sync with each other; when the value is
negative they will modulate out of sync.
Scale/Speed
Controls the modulation rate.
Xnob
Selects the modulation shape. Turn the knob fully clockwise to select Envelop and your
playing will drive the pitch modulation.
Ynob
Controls the amount of feedback for Delays A and B.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

MicroPitch
Fine-resolution pitch shifter for subtle tone-fattening plus delays for interesting slap back
effects.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the levels of PitchA to PitchB.
Pitch A
Controls the amount of pitch shift up for voice A from Unison to +50 cents.
Pitch B
Controls the amount of pitch shift down for voice B from Unison to -50 cents.
Delay A/B
Controls the amount of time delay for voices A and B in mSec.
Key/Depth
Sets the modulation depth.
Scale/Speed
Sets the modulation rate.
Xnob
Controls the amount of feedback.
Ynob
Controls the tone filter. Turn the knob counterclockwise to darken your tone, clockwise to
brighten it and set it to 12 oclock for no filtering.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

H910/H949
This effect emulates the sound and functionality of Eventides legendary H910 and H949
Harmonizer effects units. The H910 Harmonizer was the worlds first real-time pro-audio
pitch changer and introduced the word glitching to the pro-audio vocabulary. The H949
was the worlds first de-glitched Harmonizer.
Unlike the Diatonic pitch shifters, pitch shifting is in the feedback loop allowing for
arpeggiated repeats.
Note: For the purists in our audience, you may remember that the H910 and H949 were
mono in, stereo out devices. In other words, they featured a single pitch shifter with
independently adjusted delays. To best emulate these vintage boxes, we recommend that you
set either PitchA or PitchB to unison (1.00) and use that output for feedback without pitch
change. Also note that PitchFactor offers ten times the maximum delay of the original gear.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the level of PitchA to PitchB.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Controls the amount of pitch shift for voices A and B expressed as a ratio.
Delay A/B
Controls the amount of time delay for voices A and B. With Tempo OFF, delay is displayed in
mSec. With Tempo ON, delay can be syncd to the tempo and displayed as a rhythmic subdivision of the tempo beat value.
Key/Depth
Selects the type of Harmonizer emulated [H910], [H949-1], [H949-2] and [MODERN]. The
H949 offered two splicing algorithms. Algorithm 1 created a soft gradual splice. Algorithm
2 analyzed the audio and used an intelligent splicing algorithm that was successful in greatly
reducing glitching. PitchFactor allows you to select each of these algorithms and emulate
their classic sounds. Of course, given the many orders of magnitude increase in DSP power
since the days of the H910/H949, even greater intelligence can be brought to bear in deglitching. PitchFactors [MODERN] pitch shifting algorithm takes advantage of its powerful
DSP to further improve de-glitching. Each of these algorithms has a distinct quality and, when
combined with various amounts of delay and feedback, offer a broad pallet of pitch-shifting
effects.
Scale/Speed
Selects the type of pitch ratio control for PitchA and PitchB knobs. Normal allows continuous
control as a pitch ratio. Micro allows for fine adjustments around Unison. Chromatic allows
you to select intervals equal to the 12 note per octave scale.
Xnob/Ynob
Controls the amount of feedback for pitch shifter A/B.

22

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

PitchFlex
Use an Expression Pedal with this effect or use the Flex Switch.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the level of PitchA to PitchB.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Sets pitch shift of voices A and B in the heel position. When OFF is selected, the voice is
muted at the heel position and the pitch is set to unison.
Delay A/Delay B
These parameters are for use when using the Flex footswitch to control the pitch change
effect for voices A and B. The Delay A knob sets the time to move from the virtual toe to
the virtual heel. The Delay B knob sets the time to move from heel to toe. In Tempo
Mode maximum is note.
Key/Depth
A low pass filter to darken the effect.
Scale/Speed
Controls the shape that the pitch modulation follows when using the Flex Switch.
Xnob
Sets voice As pitch shift in the toe position. When OFF is selected, the A pitch shifter is
disabled at the toe position and toe is treated as unison.
Ynob
Sets voice Bs pitch shift in the toe position. When OFF is selected, the B pitch shifter is
disabled at the toe position and toe is treated as unison.

23

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Octaver
Octavers traditionally use analog techniques to track the pitch of the input audio signal and
synthesize a signal whose musical tone is an octave lower than the original. PitchFactors
Octaver creates a pair of sub-harmonics, one an octave below the note that youre playing
and the other two octaves below. It also adds an Octave FUZZ generator. The sub-harmonics
can be filtered and the filters modulated by the input audio level.
Octaver is a parallel (dual mono) rather than stereo effect.
Note: Tempo cannot be used with this effect.
Pitch Mix
Controls mix of 1st and 2nd sub-harmonics (A&B). Unlike PitchFactors other effects, Inputs 1
and Inputs 2 are not mixed.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Controls the center frequency of the resonant filters for A/B.
Delay A/Delay B
Controls filter resonance for A/B.
Note: After adjusting the filters center frequency and resonance, you may want to try
modulating the filter. The next two controls set levels for envelope-controlled modulation.
Key/Depth
Octaver allows your playing to vary the center frequency of the filters. This control adjusts the
degree to which the input signals envelop shifts the filters center frequency.
Scale/Speed
Controls the sensitivity of the frequency sweeps to the input signal level.
Xnob
Controls the amount of distortion (FUZZ).
Ynob
Controls the mix of octaves [oct] and FUZZ [fz].

24

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Crystals
Crystals is a classic Eventide effect twin reverse pitch changers, with independently
adjustable delays and feedback with added reverb.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the levels of PitchA to PitchB.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Controls the amount of pitch shift for A/B in cents (1 cent = 1/100th of a semitone).
Delay A/B
Controls the length of the reverse time buffers for A/B. With Tempo OFF, delay is displayed in
mSec. With Tempo ON, delay can be syncd to the tempo and is displayed as a rhythmic subdivision of the tempo beat value.
Key/Depth
Selects the Reverb Mix level.
Scale/Speed
Selects the Reverb Decay rate.
Xnob
Controls level of Feedback A.
Ynob
Controls level of Feedback B.

25

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

HarPeggiator
HarPeggiator creates dual 16-step arpeggios that combine three elements:
1) dual 16-step pitch-shift sequencer
2) dual 16-step rhythm sequencer
3) dual 16-step effect sequencer
HarPeggiator lets you choose from a list of pre-programmed sequences for pitch, rhythm and
effect and using the many possible combinations gives you quite a bit of creative control.
That writ, its important to understand the underlying concepts or youre likely to spend quite
some time scratching your head.
First off, we suggest that you experiment with only one voice (e.g. A) and the pitch sequence
only. To do so, turn OFF the rhythm and effect controls (set Delay A and Xnob fully
counterclockwise). This is important because, by definition, for many rhythms not every step
in the sequence is played. For example, you could select a rhythm that divides the 16 steps
into four bars of quarter notes and only sounds the first step (note) of each bar. As a result,
although the pitch sequence is 16 steps long, only four notes will sound. Also, use the
Scale/Speed control to set an appropriate length for each step so that you can clearly hear the
pitch at each step.
Note: If MIDI clock and Tempo are both set to ON, the sequencer will not progress through
the steps until a MIDI clock signal is applied to PitchFactor.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of arpeggiatorA to arpeggiatorB.
Pitch A/Pitch B
Selects one of 27 pitch sequences for A/B. The pitch sequences are selectable presets
numbered from [01] to [26] plus random [RANDM]. Turn the control full counterclockwise
[Arp OFF] to turn off the pitch effect, full clockwise to select the random sequence. The pitch
sequences are numbered and the display graphically indicates the 16-step progression.
Due to its limited resolution, the display can only give a general sense of the shape of the
pitch sequence. There are 16 columns representing each of the 16 steps in the sequence and
the solid horizontal bar represents unison. Dots above and below indicate pitches above and
below unison. For the majority of pitch sequences, each step is a fixed pitch however,
PitchFactor has the ability to glide the pitch within any step and this feature is used in several
of the sequences. The last sequence [RANDM] is a random sequence of pitches.
When selecting pitch sequences, it is best to first turn OFF both Rhythm and FX sequences so
that the pitch sequence is unaffected by these parameters. As always, your ears are the best
judge of what works.

26

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

The first several pitch sequences are fairly straightforward. Heres a general description of
each of these sequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.

All steps are one octave up.


All steps are one octave down.
All steps are a fifth up.
All steps are a fourth down.
Unison & one octave down.
One octave down, unison, one octave up, two octaves up.
Two octaves down, one octave down, unison, one octave up.
One octave down, unison, one octave up, 2 octaves up.
Unison, one octave up, unison, one octave up.
Unison, one octave up, unison, one octave up, etc.
Unison and fifth up.
One octave down climbing to unison.
Unison, fourth down, one octave down, two octaves down, unison, one octave up.
Starts at two octaves down, swoops up to unison and at the 13th step jumps up
one octave and ends at unison.
Mostly up one octave with a short swoop to unison in the middle, back to an
octave up and ending by swooping to unison.
Starts at unison, swoops down two octaves, makes a couple of jumps up one
octave and ends on unison.
Starts at unison, swoops down one octave, jumps back to unison, brief jump up
one octave, brief jump to up a fifth and ends on unison.
Four quick jumps up one fifth, swooping back down to unison.
Swoops from unison up one octave and does it twice.
Swoops from up one octave down to unison and does it twice.
Starts at unison steps up one octave and steps back down to unison.
Staggers its way from unison to up one octave.
Similar to 22.
Swoops up from unison to one octave up and does it four times.
Jumps between unison and octaves and fifths and fourths up and down.
Similar to 25.

For those who find the above description less than satisfying the following tables may help. In
these tables, the 26 sequences are labeled at the column heads and, for each sequence, the
16 steps are listed vertically. Pitch sequences marked with an asterisk glide the pitch within a
step in the sequence and an arrow indicates the step in the sequence that glides and the
direction of the glide.
Intervals are indicated as 1oct = one octave, 2oct = 2 octaves, M2 = major second, m2 =
minor second, M3 = major third, m3 = minor third, P4 = perfect fourth, d5 = diminished
fifth, P5 = perfect fifth, M6 = major sixth, m6 = minor sixth, M7 = major seventh, m7
=minor seventh.

27

PitchFactor User Guide

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

1
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct

The Effects

2
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct

3
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5
+P5

4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4
-P4

5
unison
unison
unison
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
unison

6
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
unison
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+2oct
+2oct
+2oct
+2oct

7
-2oct
-2oct
-2oct
-2oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
unison
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct

13*
unison
-P4
-1oct
-2oct
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
+1oct
unison
unison
unison

14*
-2oct
-1oct
-P5
-m3
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
-1oct
unison
unison
unison

Pitch Sequences 1 - 7

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

8
-1oct
unison
+1oct
+2oct
-1oct
unison
+1oct
+2oct
-1oct
unison
+1oct
+2oct
-1oct
unison
+1oct
+2oct

9
unison
unison
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
unison
unison
unison
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
unison
unison
unison

10*
unison
+1oct
+1oct
unison
unison
+1oct
unison
+1oct
+1oct
unison
+1oct
+1oct
unison
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct

11
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
+P5
unison
+P5
unison
unison

12*
-1oct
-m7
-m6
-P5
-P4
-m3
-M2
-m2
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison

Pitch Sequences 8 - 14

28

PitchFactor User Guide

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

15*
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+1oct
+m6
+M3

The Effects

16*
unison
-m2
-M3
-M6
-P4oct
-2oct
unison
unison
+1oct
unison
unison
+1oct
unison
unison
unison
unison

17*
unison
-d5
-1oct
-1oct
unison
unison
unison
unison
+1oct
+P5
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison
unison

18*
+P5
unison
unison
unison
+P5
unison
unison
unison
+P5
unison
unison
unison
+P5
unison
unison
unison

19
unison
+M2
+M3
+P4
+P5
+6
+M7
+1oct
unison
+M2
+M3
+P4
+P5
+6
+M7
+1oct

20
+1oct
+M7
+M6
+P5
+P4
+M3
+M2
unison
+1oct
+M7
+M6
+P5
+P4
+M3
+M2
unison

Pitch Sequences 17 - 21

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

22
unison
unison
+M2
unison
+M3
unison
+P4
unison
+P5
unison
+M6
unison
+M7
unison
+1oct
unison

23
unison
unison
+m3
unison
+P4
unison
+P4
+d5
+P5
unison
+P5
unison
+m7
unison
+1oct
unison

24*
unison
+P4
+P5
+1oct
+m3
+P4
+P5
+1oct
+m6
+P4
+P5
+1oct
+m7
+P4
+P5
+1oct

25
unison
-1oct
unison
+1oct
unison
-P5
unison
+P5
unison
-P4
unison
+P4
unison
-m3
unison
+m3

Pitch Sequences 22 - 26

29

26*
-1oct
unison
+P5
+P4
-1oct
+1oct
-P4
-P5
unison
-1oct
unison
+P5
+P4
unison
unison
-2oct

21
unison
+M2
+m3
+M3
+P4
+P5
+M6
+M7
+1oct
+M7
+M6
+P5
+P4
+M3
+m3
+M2

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Delay A/B
Selects the rhythm/groove sequence for A/B. The rhythm sequences are a set of 21 selectable
presets. The level of the signal at each step is graphically represented by the number of LEDs
lit in each column.
Turn the control full counterclockwise [Grv OFF] to turn off the rhythm sequence, full
clockwise to select a random sequence.
The pitch sequences are numbered from [01] to [20] and [RANDM] for the random rhythm.
With the rhythm sequence turned OFF, all sixteen steps of the sequence are played at full
amplitude.
Key/Depth
Sets attack and release time for the dynamics of the Rhythm and Effects. At full
counterclockwise the audio takes the entire step length to fade in, at 12 oclock the audio is
present for the entire step duration, and at full clockwise the audio is present for only 1/10th
of the steps duration.
Note: This control has no effect when both Rhythm and Effect knobs are set to OFF.
Scale/Speed
With Tempo OFF, sets the length of each of the 16 steps in mSec. With Tempo ON, sets the
length of each step relative to the tap tempo (length of note e.g. whole, quarter, etc.).
Xnob/Ynob
HarPeggiator lets you apply a sequence of filter, fuzz and/or glitch effects to each note of the
16-step sequence. Xnob/Ynob selects the effect sequence for A/B [FXA]/[FXB].
The effect sequences are a set of 25 selectable presets.
The effects are indicated by effect type - [FLT]=FILTER, [FZ]=FUZZ, and [GLT]=Glitch. [ALL]
indicates that the preset uses all three effect types.
There are five filter effects, five fuzz effects and five glitch effects to choose from. Or, you can
select one of four different types of random effect sequences [RnFL]=random filters,
[RnfZ]=random fuzz, [RnGl]=random glitches and [RnM]=random combination of filters,
fuzz and glitches].
Turn the control full counterclockwise [FX :OFF] to turn Off effects for all steps in the
sequence.

30

PitchFactor User Guide

The Effects

Synthonizer
Synthonizer tracks the pitch of the note that youre playing and generates a synthesized tone
at the same pitch. Voice A is an additive synthesizer useful for creating organ or Thereminstyle sounds; Voice B is a subtractive synthesizer for creating classic analog-style synth sounds.
Note: Tempo cannot be used with this effect.
Note: Synthonizer is mono In only. Use Input 1. Input 2 is disabled.
Pitch Mix
Controls the ratio of the two synthesized voices A & B.
Pitch A
Pitch A controls the mix of the various added waveforms to control the tone and perceived
pitch of voice A.
Pitch B
Pitch B controls the blend between unison, 1 octave down, and 1 octave up synth voices to
control the tone and perceived pitch of voice B.
Delay A
Controls the attack time for synthesized Voice A.
Delay B
Controls the attack time for the filter on synthesized voice B.
Key/Depth
Selects the reverb level.
Scale/Speed
Selects the reverb decay time.
Xnob
Selects voice A waveshape sine (SIN), triangle (TRI) or sawtooth (SW).
Ynob
Controls the sweepable filter on voice B. Values from 0-50 sweep a low-pass filter, values
greater than 50 sweep a high pass filter.

31

PitchFactor User Guide

Catchup

Catchup
You would expect that when you turn a Parameter Control Knob, the parameters value
would change instantly and, unless Catchup is enabled, it does. Instant changes, however,
may not be desirable for all situations and users. Consider the following example:
You have just loaded a preset based on HarModulator and the presets value for the
modulation Speed is set to a value of 2 (very slow modulation). Now, lets say that the Speed
Control Knob happens to be at its full clockwise position corresponding to a very fast
modulation speed. If youd like to tweak the speed slightly (for example, speeding it up from
its current value of 2 to 3), you would reach down and turn the knob only to find that the
Speed at first abruptly jumps to its maximum rate of 100 and, as you turn the control, the
Speed slows down to its desired value of 3. If this happens while youre playing, it might be a
tad distracting.
PitchFactors Catchup feature is designed to prevent parameter values from abruptly changing
when the knob positions dont correspond to the Preset values. When Catchup is ON and a
Control Knob is turned, the parameter value doesnt change instantly. Instead, the display
alternates between the Preset value and the word TURN (displayed accompanied by either a
left or right pointing arrows as appropriate). The parameter (and hence the Effect) does not
change until the knob position passes the current parameter value at which point TURN and
the arrow disappear, the parameter name and value are displayed, and the knob becomes
active.
Returning to our example, if Catchup is ON, the Speed will not change until the Control Knob
is turned from its full clockwise position to the position corresponding to the value of 2. At
that point, the Control Knob becomes live allowing you to slightly increase the Speed
without an abrupt change in the sound of the Effect.
Catchups factory default is OFF. To turn Catchup On/Off:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [UTILITY] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [CATCHUP] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select either ON or OFF.
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.

32

PitchFactor User Guide

Expression Pedal

Expression Pedal
An external Expression Pedal can be connected to the rear panel phone jack. The
Expression Pedal can be set up to control any combination of the ten parameters. For proper
operation the Expression Pedal should be a simple linear resistive potentiometer (pot) with
a maximum value of between 5k Ohms and 25k Ohms. Refer to www.eventide.com for
information on recommended expression pedals.
The Expression Pedal settings can be adjusted simply by pressing the Pedal to the full heel or
full toe position and turning the Control Knobs. Youll notice then that whenever you move
the Pedal, the Green LED next to the currently active Effect blinks. This indicates that Pedal
programming is live. To program, press the heel completely down and adjust the knobs to
get the sound that you want for the heel down position. You must turn the knobs to create
the assignment. Knobs that are not turned are not assigned. Now, press the toe completely
down and change the settings of any or all of the knobs. Parameters associated with any
knobs that are moved will be mapped to the Pedal. Now, when you rock the pedal back and
forth, youll hear the sound change between the two settings.
After a few seconds of pedal and knob inactivity, the LED will stop flashing. When the LED is
solidly lit, you can turn any of the Parameter Control Knobs to change the sound without
changing the Expression Pedal mapping.
When the Expression Pedal is used, the Billboard will display the changing value. If the
Expression Pedal has been set up to control a single parameter, the display will show the
parameter name and value in the same way as if you were turning the Control Knob. If the
Expression Pedal has been set up to control multiple parameters, the display indicates the
pedal value (from 0 to 100) and the parameters that are changing. In this display, the ten
parameter Knobs are shown as dots and, when the Pedal is used, the column above each dot
is used to indicate that the Pedal is controlling that parameter.
Since any number of parameters can be programmed to respond to the pedal, its important
to learn how to un-assign parameters. Lets say that youve programmed the Pedal to control
Mix from 50% to 100% and Delay A from 10 mSec to 100 mSec. Now, youd like to unassign Delay A and have it fixed at 20 mSec rather than have it change when the Pedal
moves. Heres what you do:
1)
2)

Press the Pedal to full heel and turn the Delay A knob to 20 mSec.
Press the Pedal to full toe. Turn Delay A away from 20 mSec and then back to 20
mSec.

Remember, you must move the Parameter Control Knob to create the Pedal assignment. If a
Parameter was previously assigned to the Pedal, the only way to un-assign it is to set the
same value for the heel and toe by turning the knob.
The Expression Pedal settings are not saved automatically. If you want to be able to recall
your Expression Pedal setting, you must perform the Preset Save operation.
If you load a Preset and the Expression Pedal is not connected, the parameter values will be
same as they were the last time the Preset was used.
Note: You can set the minimum value to be greater than the maximum value. When you do
so, as the Pedal moves towards the toe, the Parameter value will decrease.

33

PitchFactor User Guide

Expression Pedal

Note: The Expression Pedal input supports control voltage inputs from 0V to 3V. Care must
be taken to avoid ground loops when using this input with external control voltages. If you
hear a hum only when youve connected a control voltage source to PitchFactors
Expression Pedal input jack, then it is likely that the device generating the control voltage is
grounded to a different ground than your audio ins and outs. Ground loops are notoriously
difficult to track down and beyond the scope of this User Guide to diagnose.

34

PitchFactor User Guide

The Footswitches

The Footswitches Play and Bank Mode


PitchFactors footswitches are multi-purpose and operate in one of three modes, Play Mode,
Bank Mode, and System Mode. In normal use, PitchFactor is in either Play Mode or Bank
Mode. System Mode is used to set up MIDI, external controls and various system parameters.
Pressing and holding the Right Footswitch switches between Play and Bank Mode.

Play Mode
In Play Mode, the Billboard displays the effect name or, for Diatonic and Quadravox, the
musical key. Three Footswitches are used to control the effect.

Active Footswitch
The Active footswitch is used to toggle between Active and Bypass. The Active LED is lit
orange when the Effect is in use. When Bypassed, the Active LED is off.

Flex/Learn Footswitch
The action of the middle footswitch depends on which effect is currently running.
Diatonic/Quadravox
For the scale aware effects, Diatonic and Quadravox, press and hold the Learn switch while
playing a note and PitchFactor will set the key to that note.
HarModulator
Shifts both voices up one octave.
MicroPitch
Doubles the pitch shift amount of both voices.
H910/H949
Press and hold for infinite repeat.
PitchFlex
Use this button in lieu of an expression pedal to sweep the pitch shift from heel to toe.
Octaver Unused
Arpeggiator
Restarts the sequence from the beginning.
Crystals
Shifts both voices up one octave.

35

PitchFactor User Guide

The Footswitches

Synthonizer
Shifts both voices up one octave.

Tap Footswitch
The Tap footswitch is used to tap tempo if Tempo is ON. While tapping with Tempo ON,
the updated tempo value is displayed by the Billboard in BPM. While tapping with Tempo
OFF, the updated value is displayed in mSec.
To turn Tempo ON or OFF, press the Encoder. When Tempos state changes, the Billboard will
briefly display the appropriate message either TMP ON or TMP OFF. When Tempo is ON,
the Tempo LED flashes at the current tempo.

Tuner
The Tuner is accessed by pressing the Middle and Right Footswitches simultaneously. Press
any footswitch to exit the Tuner and return to normal operation.

Bank Mode
In Bank Mode, the Billboard displays the Bank and Preset Number of the currently running
Preset. The Left and Middle Footswitches are used to instantly select or Bypass either Preset 1
or Preset 2. Presets are stored in pairs and each pair of Presets is called a Bank. There are a
maximum of 50 Banks - a total of 100 Presets.
The Billboard displays the current Bank and Preset number. Banks are numbered from 1 to 50
and Presets are numbered 1 and 2.

Note: The 100 Presets can be based on any of the Effects. You can choose to have all 100
presets based on Diatonic. Or, two based on Diatonic, three based on MicroPitch, five based
on Crystals, etc. - or any combination.

Loading Presets
The Preset numbers correspond to the Left and Middle Footswitches.
To Bypass the Preset, simply press the Footswitch corresponding to the loaded Preset. Press
again and the Preset becomes active.

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PitchFactor User Guide

The Footswitches

The following attributes are saved with Presets and recalled when Presets are loaded:
1) Parameter knob values.
2) Tempo/Tap value.*
3) Tempo On/Off status.
4) Expression pedal mapping.
* Note: PitchFactor can be set up to change the Tempo value when a Preset is loaded or to
ignore the value saved with the Preset. While Tempo values are always saved with the Preset,
you may prefer to have your current Tempo stay the same as you switch from Preset to Preset.
Turn GLOBAL TEMPO ON to do that. With GLOBAL TEMPO ON, the Tempo values saved with
the Preset are ignored and the current Tempo value is used. Global is described later in this
User Guide.

Selecting Preset Banks


In Bank Mode, the Right Footswitch is used to select the current Bank. Tap the Right
Footswitch to increment through the active Banks. When a Bank is displayed, the associated
pair of Presets is cued but the new Preset is not yet loaded. The next time that either the Left
or Middle Footswitch is pressed, the corresponding Preset will load from the cued Bank.
Note: If the previous loaded Preset is in Bypass when the footswitch is pressed, the newly
loaded Preset will be Active.
Note: Edited Presets will be lost if they are not saved before loading another Preset.

Active Banks
If 100 Presets are more than you need, and youd like to make it quicker and easier to find
and load your Presets, the number of active Banks can be reduced. Only the Banks that are
active will show up when loading. While only active Banks can be loaded, Presets can always
be saved to all Banks. Inactive Banks are not erased and can be made active at any time.
Active Banks can be limited to a range. The default is for all 100 Presets active, this
corresponds to having the full range of Banks active - from 1 to 50. You can limit the number
of active Banks, by setting the active range in System Mode. For example, if you set the lower
Bank limit to 5 and the upper Bank limit to 10, Banks 5-10 will be active. By logically
grouping your Presets, you can get through a song or set without having to click through all
100 Presets. Remember, when saving Presets, group them to best suit your needs.
The factory default sets the number of active Banks to 50. To limit the number of active
Banks:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [UTILITY] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [BANKS] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Press the Left Footswitch and turn the Encoder to set the lower Bank limit.
7) Press the Right Footswitch and turn the Encoder to set the upper Bank limit.
8) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Tempo

Tempo
Tempo ON/OFF
Tempo is turned ON or OFF by momentarily pressing the Encoder. When Tempo is ON, the
Tempo LED flashes at the Tempo rate. With Tempo OFF, the Tempo LED is OFF.

Tap Tempo
In Play Mode, the Tap Footswitch can be tapped to set the tempo. While tapping, the
Billboard displays the updated Tempo.
Note: When using an Aux Switch to tap tempo, the Billboard will display the tempo value in
both Play and Bank Modes.

Global Tempo
Tempo is always saved with each Preset. Often however, it can be useful to make the tempo
uniform for all of the Presets that youre using. To do this, use the System GLOBAL Tempo
command. When GLOBAL TEMPO is ON, the Tempo value saved with the Preset is ignored
and the current Tempo value is used for all Presets.
Turning GLOBAL TEMPO ON or OFF. The factory default is OFF.
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds to
enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [GLOBAL] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [TEMPO] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [ON] or [OFF].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds to
exit System Mode.

Fine-tuning Tempo and Delays


Tempo
The Encoder can be used to set or tweak the Tempo value in BPM. With Tempo ON, first press
the Tap Footswitch once (you must be in Play Mode) so that the Billboard displays the Tempo
value. With the Tempo value displayed, the Encoder can be turned to adjust the Tempo.
While adjusting, the Billboard displays the updated Tempo and the parameter Control Knobs
are disabled.

Delay
With Tempo OFF, the Encoder can be used to tweak the delay time for effects that use delay.
To use the Encoder, first turn the Control Knob corresponding to the delay that you want to
tweak (A or B) so that the delay time is displayed by the Billboard. While the delay time is still
displayed, turn the Encoder to adjust the delay time. While tweaking, the Billboard displays
the updated delay time and the parameter Control Knobs are disabled.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Saving Presets

Edited Preset Indication


In Bank Mode, whenever a Presets parameter values are changed, an LED dot is lit at the
upper rightmost corner of the Billboard display.
Preset parameters can be changed by:
a) turning a Control Knob,
b) selecting an Effect by turning the Encoder,
c)
receiving a MIDI command or,
d) moving the Expression Pedal

Saving Presets
To save a Preset:
1) Press and hold the Encoder for a few seconds. The current Bank# and Preset# are
displayed. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder to select the desired Bank# and Preset#. Preset locations are
displayed as BANK#:# where the first number is the Bank number from 1-50
and the second number is the Preset number (or slot) either 1-2. When saving, all
Banks are available even if youve limited the number of active Banks.
3) To save the Preset, press and hold the Encoder a second time. The Billboard
displays SAVED.
4) After a short time, the Save mode is exited.
5) To exit Save without saving, press and release the Encoder again without holding it
or press any Footswitch at any time. Upon exiting Save mode without saving, the
Billboard displays NO SAVE.
Note: You must press and HOLD the Encoder to save. If you press and release quickly, the
new Preset will not be saved. This is intentional. When you save a new Preset, you overwrite
the old Preset. PitchFactor is designed to assure that saving is a deliberate act. The Preset
number corresponding to the currently running Preset will flash as a warning that saving in
this location will overwrite the currently loaded Preset.

Organizing Your Presets in Banks


When you save a Preset, you should consider if there is a companion preset with which it will
be used. For example, if you have a pair of Presets that you plan to use together in the same
song one for the verse, one for the chorus placing them in the same Bank will let you
instantly switch from one to the other.
Loading a Preset from a Bank is instantaneous (one tap) while getting to a Preset from
different Bank takes at least two taps. Also remember that if you plan to limit the number of
active Banks, you should store your most often used Presets in nearby Banks.
Note: When saving to a location other than the active slot, the saved Preset location becomes
the active slot. In other words, if Bank 1:1 is currently active and, after changing the
parameters to get a new sound, you decide to save the new sound to location Bank 9:1, Bank
9 becomes the active Bank.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Saving Presets

Dumping (Backing-up) Presets and System Settings


The currently loaded effect, your stored Presets and your system settings can be dumped to a
MIDI device or to a computer using the MIDIs SysEx facility. SysEx dump is a MIDI System
Exclusive Message that can be sent from PitchFactor and recorded by a MIDI sequencer or
computer. PitchFactors Presets and System Settings can then be restored at a later time. This
is a useful way to backup saved settings or to reconfigure the unit as it was on your previous
project. The process takes a few seconds.
To Dump Presets &/or System Settings:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [MIDI] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [DUMP] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [ALL], [CURRENT], [PRESETS] or [SYSTEM].
7) Wait until dump is complete.
8) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.
Note: If [CURRENT] is selected only the currently loaded Preset is dumped. If [PRESETS] is
selected, all 100 stored Presets are dumped. If ALL is selected all Presets and System settings
are dumped. If SYSTEM is selected, only System settings are dumped.

Restoring Presets and System Settings


Presets and System settings are restored via MIDIs SysEx facility. PitchFactor must be set to
the desired SysEx ID number (from 1 to 16).
To set the MIDI SysEx ID number (factory default is 1):
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [MIDI] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [SYS ID] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to choose SysEx ID from [1] to [16].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.

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PitchFactor User Guide

Auxiliary Switches

Auxiliary Switches
The rear panel Aux Switch stereo phone jack supports up to three independent momentary
switches using Tip, Ring and Tip+Ring. Aux Switches do not disable PitchFactors
Footswitches the local Footswitches are always active. Aux Switches can be programmed to
perform a number of functions and they make it easy to connect a dedicated Tap Tempo
switch or Speed/Brake switch or Preset Switch.
As noted above, the PitchFactor has two operating modes, Bank and Play. An Aux Switch can
be used to instantly toggle between the PitchFactors Bank and Play Modes. Alternately, some
users may want to have all six switch functions immediately available (3 from each Footswitch
Mode). A set of three Aux Switches can be connected and assigned accordingly.
Aux Switches can also be assigned to parameter values allowing you to switch between two
parameter values. For example, you could assign an Aux Switch to toggle between S-MOD
value 0 and 5. To program the Aux Switches see the System Mode section of this User Guide.
Notes:
1) You must use a stereo phone plug to connect Aux Switches.
2) Toggle switches are not supported. Only momentary switches will work properly.
3) Simultaneously pressing the switch assigned to the Tip and the switch assigned to the Ring
will trigger the function assigned to the Tip+Ring.
Refer to eventide.com for information on recommended Aux Switches.

MIDI
PitchFactor supports MIDI In, Out, Thru. MIDI can be used to:
1) Load and bypass Presets
2) Select Banks/Presets
3) FLEX/Learn
4) Change parameter values
5) Set tempo from MIDI clock
6) Use PitchFactor as a MIDI clock source
7) Enable PitchFactors knobs and switches to control other MIDI devices
8) Dump (Backup)/Load (Restore) Presets and/or system settings to/from a computer
9) Control BYPASS/ACTIVE status using MIDI program change
PitchFactor automatically selects either USB or DIN5 as MIDI Inputs and Outputs. If USB is
connected, DIN5 MIDI activity (including MIDI thru) is ignored. MIDI setup is described in
System Mode and a MIDI implementation map can be found later in this User Guide.

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

System Mode
System Mode is used for settings that cover the overall system such as the Bypass, Aux
Switch, MIDI, Expression Pedal, etc.

To Enter/Exit System Mode


Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds to enter
and exit the System Mode. Upon exit youre returned to the previous mode, either Bank or
Play. Upon entering System Mode, youre at the top-level menu selection. The Left and Right
Footswitch LEDs will flash RED continuously to remind you that youre in this special mode.
The Middle Footswitch LED, the Effect Indicator LED and Tempo LED are always OFF in System
Mode.
At the top-level, turn the Encoder to scroll the choices, [BYPASS], [TUNER], [AUX SW], [MIDI],
[GLOBAL] and [UTILITY]. Press the Encoder to select one of these choices.

System Mode Navigation


General navigation of the System Mode menus/parameters are as follows:
1)

Push the Encoder to step down into the menu tree.

2)

Turn the Encoder to scroll thru menu items or parameter selections or values.

3)

Press the Middle Footswitch to step up the menu tree to upper level menu options.

For menus with two fields, a flashing arrow pointing to the left or right indicates the default
active field for editing. Press the Left Footswitch or Right Footswitch to select the active field.
The Left Footswitch is used to select the left-hand field, the Right Footswitch is used to select
the right-hand field.
Hint: While the Middle Footswitch can always be used to step up the menu tree, for menu
items that are only one level deep, pressing the Encoder a second time will also step up to the
top level.

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

System Menu Tree


The system mode is divided into four categories [BYPASS], [TUNER], [AUX SW], [MIDI],
[GLOBAL], and [UTILITY] which are the top-level menu items that appear when entering
system mode.
In the following, factory default settings are indicated in (bold)

[BYPASS] Select Bypass Mode


After entering System Mode, turn the Encoder to select [BYPASS], then press the Encoder to
enter Select Bypass Mode. Turn the Encoder to select either [BYP TYP] or [KILLDRY].
[BYP TYP] Choose Bypass Type (DSP, RELAY, DSP+FX)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to select DSP, Relay or DSP+FX.
When [DSP] is selected, Bypass sends the audio at the DSPs inputs directly to the
outputs without any effects processing.
When [RELAY] is selected, Bypass employs a pair of relays to hardwire the inputs
to the outputs, giving a true bypass.
When [DSP+FX] is selected, Bypass sends the audio at the DSPs inputs directly to
the outputs with the decaying tail of the current effect mixed in.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to BYPASS menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[KILLDRY] Kill Dry Audio (NO, YES)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to enable/disable KILLDRY.
When KILLDRY is enabled (YES), the dry signal is removed from the output and
PitchFactor only outputs a 100% wet Level. For some of the effects the Intensity
control acts as a Wet/Dry Mix control. For these effects, if KILLDRY is YES, the
Intensity control is disabled.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to BYPASS menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

[TUNER] Tuner Settings


Press the Encoder to select. Turn the Encoder to select either [AUDIO] or [CALIBRT].
[AUDIO] Choose audio function when Tuner is active (BYPASS, MUTE)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn the Encoder to choose BYPASS or MUTE. When
BYPASS is selected, whenever PitchFactors tuner is enabled, the audio input is
connected to audio out. When MUTE is selected, audio is muted when tuning.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to TUNER menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[CALIBRT] Calibrate the Tuner (440 Hz)


Press the Encoder to select. Turn the Encoder to adjust the Tuners reference
frequency. 440 Hz standard is the default. This value will also establish the A
tuning for the pitch effects.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to TUNER menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

[AUX SW] Program Auxiliary Switches


Up to three Auxiliary Switches can be assigned as controls for the Effects
parameters and system control. The three Aux Switches are connected to the rear
panel stereo phone jack. PitchFactor detects closures by sensing whether the
tip, the ring or both the tip and ring are grounded. Note that you must use a
stereo phone plug when connecting Aux Switches.
To assign the Aux Switches first press the Encoder to select AUX SW. You will see
two fields (split display) of the Billboard display (left/right) showing Parameter
destination and Control source assignments. An arrow pointing to the left
(Parameter) is flashing (if its not, press the Left Footswitch to select this field)
showing this to be the selected field for editing.
To assign the switches, first select the PitchFactor parameter or function (the
destination) that you want to externally control (Intensity for example) and then
select the Aux Switch that you want to control it with (the source).
The default settings for the Aux Switches are:
TIP - BYPASS
RING - LEARN/FLEX
TIP+RING - TAP
To Setup Parameter Destinations
Turn the Encoder knob to select an external control destination. Destinations
include the PitchFactor parameters and functions that can be controlled by one of
the Aux Switches. The choices are:
BYP Toggle Bypass/Active. (Bypass type selected in BYPASS)
BK + Increment Bank number switch function.
BK - Decrement Bank number switch function.
TAP Tap tempo switch function.
FLX Toggle FLEX/LEARN function
P/B Toggle between Play and Bank Mode.
KB09 Because of the limited space in the Billboard display, the Parameter
Control Knob names cannot be meaningfully displayed. Instead, for display
purposes, weve numbered the knobs from 0 to 9 as indicated below.
FS1 Left footswitch in alternate mode (i.e. if in PLAY, operates in BANK)
FS2 Middle footswitch in alternate mode
FS3 Right footswitch in alternate mode
PDL Expression pedal
TUN Enable/disable Tuner

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

The notion of using an On/Off control source like an Aux Switch to control a variable
parameter bears some explanation. Consider a variable parameter like Intensity.
After youve selected a Parameter Control Knob, you can set two values for the parameter; a
minimum value [MIN VAL] and a maximum value [MAX VAL]. Each time the assigned switch
is pressed, the parameter value instantly toggles between the minimum and maximum value.
When a Parameter Control Knob designator is displayed (KB0 KB9), pressing the Left
Footswitch will display [MIN VAL]. Turn the associated Parameter Control Knob to set the
minimum value. For example, if KB0 was selected, turn the Intensity Control Knob to set the
minimum value. The Billboard displays the knob value while youre turning the parameter
knob and times out to display the selected [MIN VAL] when the knob is idle.
Push the Left Footswitch again to set the maximum value for the selected Parameter Control
Knob. The Billboard will display [MAX VAL]. Turn the associated parameter knob to adjust the
maximum value. The Billboard displays the knob value while youre turning the parameter
knob and times out to display the selected [MAX VAL] when the knob is idle.
The parameters controlled in this mode are system-wide and will apply to all Effects and
Presets. For example, you could assign an Aux Switch to Delay A (KB4) with [MIN VAL] set to
20 mSec and [MAX VAL] set to 200 mSec. Pressing the switch will toggle between these two
delay settings. If another Effect or Preset is chosen, the Aux Switch will affect the parameter
controlled by KB4 for the currently loaded effect.
Note: When a Preset is loaded, the switches assume the MIN VAL for the assigned
parameters. Pressing the switch for the first time after a Preset load, will toggle the parameter
to MAX VAL.
Note: While it is possible to assign more than one external controller to any parameter, doing
so is likely to cause confusion and is not recommended.
To Setup the External Control Source
Press the Right Footswitch to select one of three Aux Switches. There are two ways to select
the Aux Switch - Manual Select or Learn Mode.

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

For Manual Select simply turn the Encoder to choose the Aux Switch. The choices are:
TIP - Aux switch jack tip connection
RNG - Aux switch jack ring connection
T+R - Aux switch jack tip + ring connection
To use the Learn Mode to select the external control source, press the Right Footswitch again.
LEARN is displayed prompting you to press an Aux Switch for automatic assignment. Press
the Right Footswitch again to exit LEARN mode and revert to manual source selection.
Press the Left and Right Footswitches to toggle between Source and Destination to make as
many assignments as you wish.
The default settings for Aux Switch control are as follows:
[BYP<>TIP]
[FLX<>RNG]
[TAP<>T+R]
The other Aux Switch Control destinations ([BK+], [BK-], [P/B], [KB0][KB9], FS1, FS2, FS3,
PDL, TUN) are unassigned as indicated by [---].
Note: It is possible to assign the same Aux Switch to multiple destinations. In other words,
you could assign [TIP] to control Bypass AND Tap AND Flex AND etc. The benefit of having
the same switch control multiple functions can be very useful. However, you should keep in
mind that, if you have previously assigned a Switch to a control destination, you may want to
clear the assignment before setting up a new assignment.
When done, Press the Middle Footswitch to go to top level System menu.

[MIDI] - MIDI Functions


After entering System mode, turn the Encoder to select [MIDI], and then press the Encoder to
enter the MIDI functions settings mode.
Turn the Encoder to scroll through the MIDI functions including MIDI Program maps, MIDI
channel, MIDI Data Dumps, etc.
[RCV CH] Set the MIDI Receive Channel (OFF, OMNI, 1-16)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set the MIDI Receive Channel option. You can
select a MIDI Channel number, turn OFF MIDI receive or choose OMNI to receive on all MIDI
channels.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[XMT CH] Set the MIDI Transmit Channel (1, 2-16)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set the MIDI Transmit Channel.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[RCV CTL] - Receive Continuous Control Message


RCV CTL allows external MIDI Continuous Control messages to be used as assignable controls
for the Effects parameters and system control. The idea is to first select the PitchFactor
parameter or function that you want to externally control (Intensity for example) and then
select either MIDI Bend or the MIDI CC with which you want to control it.
Heres how it works:
Press the Encoder to select RCV CTL. You will see two fields (split display) of the Billboard
display showing Parameter destination and Control source assignments. An arrow pointing to
the left (Parameter) is flashing (if its not, press the Left Footswitch to select this field)
showing this to be the selected field for editing.
To Setup Parameter Destination
Turn the Encoder knob to select an external control destination - the PitchFactor parameter or
function which will be controlled from an external source. The choices are:
BYP BYPass the unit
BK + Increment Bank number switch function
BK - Decrement Bank number switch function
TAP Tap tempo switch function
FLX Toggle FLEX/LEARN function
P/B Toggle between Play and Bank Mode
KB09 - Parameter Control Knobs
FS1 Left footswitch
FS2 Middle Footswitch
FS3 Right Footswitch
PDL Foot pedal
ACT Active (Enable Effect unBypass)
TOG Toggle between Active and Bypass
TUN Enable/disable Tuner
After youve selected a Parameter Control Knob, you can set the parameter range that the
MIDI CC will control by setting minimum and maximum parameter values.
When a Parameter Control Knob designator is displayed (KB0 KB9), pressing the Left
Footswitch will display [MIN VAL]. Turn the associated Parameter Control Knob to set the
minimum value. For example, if KB0 was selected, turn the Intensity Control Knob to set the
minimum value. The Billboard displays the knob value while youre turning the selected
parameter knob and times out to display the selected [MIN VAL] when the knob is idle.
Push the Left Footswitch again to set the maximum value for the selected Parameter Control
Knob. The Billboard will display [MAX VAL]. Turn the associated parameter knob to adjust the
maximum value. The Billboard displays the knob value while youre turning the selected
parameter knob and times out to display the selected [MAX VAL] when the knob is idle.
MIDI CCs send values from 0 to 127. The minimum parameter value will be set when the
MIDI CC sends a 0 and the maximum parameter value will be set when the MIDI CC sends
127. MIDI CC values between 0 and 127 are mapped to the selected parameter range.
The parameters controlled in this mode are system-wide and will apply to all Effects and
Presets.
Note: You can set the minimum value to be greater than the maximum value. If you do so,
when the MIDI CC sends an increasing value, the parameter value will decrease.
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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

Note: While it is possible to assign more than one external controller to any parameter, doing
so is likely to cause confusion and is not recommended. Keep in mind that, if you have
previously assigned a MIDI CC to a control destination, you may want to clear the assignment
before setting up a new assignment. To clear, select the destination (parameter) and select
the source (MIDI CC) as [---].
To Setup the External Control Source
Press the Right Footswitch to select the external control source field for editing. There are two
ways to select an external control source - Manual Select or Learn Mode.
For Manual Select simply turn the Encoder to choose the MIDI Control Source. The choices
are:
BND MIDI Pitch Bend
C0 - C99 - MIDI Continuous Controller messages from 0 to 99.
To use the Learn Mode to select the external control source, Press the Right Footswitch again.
LEARN is displayed prompting you to send a MIDI message for automatic Control Source
assignment. Press the Right Footswitch again to exit LEARN mode and revert to manual
source selection.
Press the Left and Right Footswitches to toggle between Source and Destination to make as
many assignments as you wish.
The default patch is unassigned [---] for all RCV CTL destinations.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[XMT CC] Control knobs transmit MIDI Continuous Control
The default patch is as follows:

PDL>C15, KB0>C22, KB1>C23, KB2>C24,,KB9>C31


XMT CC makes it possible to use PitchFactors Expression Pedal, Control Knobs and Aux
Switches as MIDI controllers.
Heres how it works:
Press the Encoder to select XMT CC. You will see two fields (split display) of the Billboard
display showing Control Source and Destination assignments. An arrow pointing to the left
(Control Source) is flashing (if its not, press the Left Footswitch to select this field) showing
this to be the selected field for editing.
To Select the Control Source
Turn the Encoder knob to select the Control Source. The choices are:
PDL
KB09
TIP
RNG
T+R

Expression Pedal
Parameter Control Knobs
Aux Switch Tip
Aux Switch Ring
Aux Switch Tip+Ring

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

To Assign the Control Source to a Destination


Press the Right Footswitch to select the MIDI Continuous Control that will be assigned to the
PitchFactor Control Source. The choices are:
OFF Control Source unassigned.
C0 - C99 - MIDI Continuous Controller from 0 to 99.
Press the Left and Right Footswitches to toggle between Source and Destination to make as
many assignments as you wish.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[RCV MAP] Create a MIDI Program Change Receive Map
MIDI maps are an efficient way to instantly recall any of PitchFactors Presets using your
favorite MIDI controller (pedal board, sequencer, etc.).
Press the Encoder to select and create a MIDI Program Change Receive Map. This function
sets the corresponding Preset that is recalled when a MIDI Program Change message is
received. (Referred to as Prg No. from here on.)
Note that if a Preset is saved Bypassed, when it is loaded by using a MIDI Program Change
command the Preset will load but the pedal will be Bypassed.
The left field displays the Prg No. (0-127) and right field displays either the Preset as
Bank:Preset (1:1-50:2), one of various Bypass options described below, or OFF.
There are two ways to select the MIDI Prg No: manually or using Learn Mode. To select
manually, with the left arrow flashing, simply turn the Encoder to select the desired Prg No.
from 0 to 127.
To use Learn Mode, press the Left Footswitch again. In LEARN mode, the Prg. No. will be
automatically set when a MIDI Program Change message is received. Pressing the Left
Footswitch exits LEARN mode.
Press the Right Footswitch to select the Bank Preset field (indicated by a flashing right hand
arrow) and turn the Encoder to select the Preset.
To map another Prg No. to another Preset, simply press the Left Footswitch again to select
the desired Prg No. and then the Right Footswitch to map it to the desired Preset.
Default map: Prg No. 0-99 map to the 100 Presets starting with Bank 1:1.
As well as using MIDI program change to load a preset, it can also be programmed to directly
control the units BYPASS setting. When the flashing right hand arrow is visible, turn the
Encoder counter-clockwise to select one of the following:
BYP
BYPass the unit
ACT
Make the unit ACTive, i.e. not bypassed.
TOG
TOGgle the between bypass and active.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

49

PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[XMT MAP] Create a MIDI Program Change Transmit Map


In Bank Mode, when a Footswitch is used to recall a Preset, a MIDI Program Change message
can be transmitted from the MIDI Out jack or USB to control an external device - e.g. another
Factor series Stompbox, an Eventide Eclipse, an Eventide H000FW, etc.
To Create a MIDI Program Change transmit map Press the Encoder to access the MIDI
transmit map for editing.
The left field displays the Bank Preset number (from 1:1 to 50:2). The right field displays
either OFF or the Prg No. (0-127). Default map: Prg No. 0-99 map to the 100 Presets starting
with Bank 1:1.
Press the Left Footswitch to select Preset/Effect field (indicated by a flashing left hand arrow
pointing), turn the Encoder to select the Preset.
Press the Right Footswitch to select Prg No. field (indicated by a flashing right hand arrow
pointing to MIDI Program Change #), turn the Encoder to select the corresponding number.
Note: MIDI Program Change Transmit must be enabled in order for PitchFactor to transmit
Program Change messages. MIDI Program Change Transmit is turned ON or OFF in the MIDI
menu. Default is OFF.
Note: When a Factor Preset is recalled with a MIDI program change message, MIDI Program
Change messages are not generated.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[CTL XMT] MIDI Continuous Controller Transmit Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set MIDI Continuous Controller transmit ON or
OFF. This setting determines if Parameter Knobs transmit MIDI control messages.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[PGM XMT] MIDI Program Change Transmit Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set MIDI Program Change transmit ON or OFF.
If ON, a MIDI Program change message is transmitted whenever a Footswitch is pressed for
Preset load.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[SYS ID] MIDI SysEx ID (1-16)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to choose the MIDI SysEx ID for Backup and Restore
of Presets and System settings.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

50

PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[OUTPUT] MIDI Transmit/Thru Select (XMT, THRU)


Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to select either MIDI out to either transmit (XMT)
PitchFactor MIDI data or pass incoming MIDI data thru PitchFactor.
Note: if OUTPUT is set to THRU, none of the PitchFactors MIDI Transmit functions will be
operative.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[DUMP] Dump Select (ALL, CURRENT, PRESETS, SYSTEM)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set what is being backed up via SysEx Dump or
Dump Request.
If ALL is selected, all saved Presets and System settings are dumped.
If CURRENT is selected, only the currently loaded effect is dumped.
If PRESETS is selected, all 100 Presets are dumped.
If SYSTEM is selected, all System Mode settings are dumped.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[CLK IN] MIDI Input Clock Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set MIDI Clock Receive ON or OFF. If ON, MIDI
Clock is used as a Tempo source.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[CLK OUT] MIDI Output Clock Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set MIDI Clock Transmit ON or OFF. If ON,
PitchFactor can be used as a MIDI Clock source.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[CLK FLT] MIDI Clock Filter Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set MIDI Clock Filtering ON or OFF. If ON,
PitchFactor can be used with an unstable MIDI Clock source, but will be slower and less
precise at tracking clock speed changes.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to MIDI menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

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PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[GLOBAL] Global Settings


[MIX] Enable Global MIX (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set Global MIX.
Mix is always stored with Presets, but the stored value is not used if Global Mix is ON. With
Global ON, the current Mix is used for all Presets.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[TEMPO] Enable Global Tempo (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set Global Tempo.
Tempo is always stored with Presets, but the stored value is not used if Global Tempo is ON.
With Global ON, the current Tempo is used for all Presets.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

[UTILITY] - Utility Functions


After entering System mode, turn the Encoder to select [UTILITY], then press the Encoder to
enter the Utility functions settings mode. Turn the Encoder to scroll through the following
Utility functions. Press the Encoder to select and set:
[CATCHUP] Catchup Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn the Encoder to set Catchup ON or OFF.
With Catchup OFF, the Parameter Control Knobs are always active. With Catchup ON, the
Parameter Control Knobs must be turned to the position which corresponds to their current
parameter value before they become active.
The Catchup feature is a good way to prevent inadvertent or abrupt changes to your sound.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[SPILL] Spill Enable (ON, OFF)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to set Spill ON or OFF.
With Spill OFF, when a new preset or effect is loaded, any audio in the previous preset is
instantly cleared. With Spill ON, audio from the previous preset fades.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

52

PitchFactor User Guide

System Mode

[BANKS] Select the range of Active Preset Banks (1 - 50)


Press the Encoder to select. Press the Left Footswitch to select the lower limit and the Right
Footswitch to select the higher limit. Turn Encoder to set the lowest and the highest active
banks. Only Presets saved in active Banks are available for loading using the Footswitches. All
Presets may still be loaded using MIDI program change.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[SOURCE] Select Source Instrument (GUITAR, BASS, SYNLEAD, SYNBASS)
Press the Encoder to select. Turn Encoder to select the type of instrument. Each instrument
setting optimizes the pitch algorithms and adjusts the ranges of filter knobs to best
complement the selected source instrument.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[SER#] Serial Number
Press the Encoder to display your PitchFactors unique serial number. Youll need to know this
number to request support and to download software updates.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.
[SW VER] - Software Version
Press the Encoder to display your PitchFactors software version.
Press the Middle Footswitch once to back-up one level to UTILITY menu.
Press the Middle Footswitch twice to go to top level System menu.

Restoring Factory Settings/Software Updates


Restoring Factory System Settings
To restore System settings, power up PitchFactor while simultaneously pressing the Right
Footswitch and the Encoder until [CLEAR SETUP] is displayed.

Restoring Factory Effects Presets and System Settings


CAUTION: This function will overwrite any Presets that you have saved.
To restore Factory Presets and all System settings, power up PitchFactor while simultaneously
pressing the Middle Footswitch and the Encoder until [INITIALIZING] is displayed.

Software Updates
PitchFactors software can be upgraded over USB. To enable the software update, power up
while pressing the Middle Footswitch until [UPDATE] is displayed. Information on software
updating can be found at www.eventide.com.
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PitchFactor User Guide

MIDI Implementation Chart

MIDI Implementation Chart


Mode 1: Omni On, Poly
Mode 3: Omni Off, Poly

Mode 2: Omni On, Mono


Mode 4: Omni Off, Mono

O=Yes
X=No

Function

Transmitted

Recognized

Basic Channel

Default
Changed

1-16
1-16

1-16
1-16

Mode

Default
Messages
Altered

3
X
X

1
X
X

Note Number

True Voice

After Touch

Keys
Channels

X
X

X
X

Control Change

0 : 127

Program Change

True#

Pitch Bender

System Exclusive
System Common

Song Pos
Song Select
Tune

X
X
X

X
X
X

System Real Time

Clock
Commands

O
X

O
X

Aux Messages

Local ON/OFF
All Notes OFF
Active Sense
Reset

X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

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Remarks

CC0 - CC99

ID: XXh
Bulk Dump/
Rcv only

PitchFactor User Guide

Specifications

Specifications
Analog I/O

Input Impedance
500K ohms (mono) 1 Meg (stereo)
Output Impedance
470 ohms
Recommended Load Impedance
10K ohms or greater

Connectors
Input 1 (mono) - inch mono phone jack
Input 2 - inch mono phone jack
Output 1 (mono) inch mono phone jack
Output 2 inch mono phone jack
Expression Pedal inch mono phone jack
Aux Switch inch stereo phone jack
USB Type B Socket. Use USB 2.0 cables only.
AC Adaptor Jack
MIDI In Five pin DIN (Female)
MIDI Out/Thru Five pin DIN (Female)

Power Supply
9 VDC, 1200 ma, Tip hot (+)

Dimensions

English: 4.8 (H) x 7.5 (W) x 2.12 (D)


Metric: 122 (H) x 190 (W) x 54 (D) mm

Weight
PitchFactor 2.15 lbs, 1 kG
Specifications subject to change without notice.

55

PitchFactor User Guide

Limited Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY
Eventide Stompboxes are built to exacting quality standards and should give years of trouble-free service. If you are
experiencing problems which are not cleared up or explained as normal in the manual, your recourse is this warranty.
What the warranty does and does not cover
Eventide Inc. warrants the above-identified unit to be free from defects in workmanship and material under normal
operation and service for a period of one year from the date of purchase, as detailed below. At our discretion within the
warranty period, we may elect to repair or replace the defective unit. This means that if the unit fails under normal operation
because of such defect, we will repair the defective unit at no charge for parts or labor. We also assume a limited
responsibility for shipping charges, as detailed below.
IN NO EVENT WILL WE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY ANY DEFECT, AND
SUCH DAMAGES ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY. Our sole obligation is to repair or replace the
defective unit as described herein.
The warranty DOES NOT COVER any damage to the unit regardless of the cause of that damage. The unit is a complex piece
of equipment that does not react well to being dropped, bounced, crushed, soaked or exposed to excessively high
temperatures, voltages, electrostatic or electromagnetic fields. If the unit is damaged for these or other causes, and the unit
is deemed to be economically repairable, we will repair it and charge our normal rates.
The warranty DOES NOT COVER shipping damage, either to or from Eventide.
Who is covered under the warranty
The warranty applies to the original purchaser of a new unit from Eventide or an Authorized Eventide Dealer. It is your
responsibility to prove or to be able to prove that you have purchased the unit under circumstances which affect the
warranty. A copy of your purchase invoice is normally necessary and sufficient for this.
Units with the serial number plate defaced or removed will not be serviced or covered by this warranty.
When the warranty becomes effective
The one-year warranty period begins on the day the unit is purchased from an Authorized Eventide Dealer or, if the unit is
drop-shipped from Eventide, on the day shipped, plus a reasonable allowance for shipping delays. This applies whether or
not you return your warranty registration form.
Who performs warranty work
The only company authorized to perform work under this warranty is Eventide Inc., Little Ferry, New Jersey. While you are
free to give authorization to anyone else (or to work on it yourself), we will not honor claims for payment for parts or labor
from you or from third parties.
Shipping within the 50 United States
You are responsible for getting the unit to our door at no cost to us. We cannot accept collect or COD shipments. We will
return the unit to you prepaid, at our expense, using an expeditious shipping method, normally United Parcel Service.
Shipping outside the 50 United States
If you purchased the unit from a dealer in your country, consult with the dealer before returning the unit. If you wish to
return the unit to us, please note the following:
1. The unit must be prepaid to our door. This means that you are responsible for all shipping charges,
including customs brokerage and duties. When a unit is shipped to us it must be cleared through United States Customs by
an authorized broker. You must make arrangements for this to be done. Normally, your freight forwarder has a branch in
the United States which can handle this transaction.
2. All shipments will be returned to you collect. If this is impossible because of shipping regulations or money
is due us, we will request prepayment from you for the appropriate amount. If you nominate a freight carrier, we reserve the
right to select a substitute if necessary.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from location to location.
Eventide and Harmonizer are registered trademarks of Eventide, Inc.
(c) 2009, Eventide, Inc.

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